Day: March 12, 2025

RBI to Issue New Rs 100 and Rs 200 Banknotes: What’s Changing?

Manish Kumar

How Currency Notes Are Issued The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the sole authority responsible for issuing currency notes in India. The process involves designing notes with enhanced security features, selecting motifs that reflect India’s cultural heritage, and ensuring smooth circulation. Every currency note issued by the RBI bears the signature of the current Governor, signifying its authenticity. Recently, the RBI announced the issuance of new Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes with a key change—the signature of the newly appointed Governor, Sanjay Malhotra. What’s New in the Rs…

India-Mauritius Strengthen Strategic Ties: PM Modi Receives Mauritius’ Highest Honour

Manish Kumar

A Deep-Rooted Partnership India and Mauritius share a long-standing relationship built on historical, cultural, and economic ties. As a key partner in the Indian Ocean region, Mauritius has benefited from India’s support in trade, infrastructure, security, and capacity building. Strengthening this partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam recently signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors, reaffirming the strategic and economic collaboration between the two nations. Adding to the significance of the visit, PM Modi was conferred Mauritius’ highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander…

Temasek Acquires 10% Stake in Haldiram’s Snack Division for $1 Billion

Manish Kumar

A Landmark Deal in India’s FMCG Sector Singapore’s sovereign investment firm, Temasek, has finalized a deal to acquire nearly a 10% stake in Haldiram’s snacks division for approximately $1 billion. This move marks a significant foreign investment in India’s fast-growing consumer sector, particularly in the thriving savory snacks segment. The deal, following months of negotiations, underscores increasing global investor interest in India’s food and beverage industry. It also highlights Haldiram’s strong market position, making it an attractive investment for international firms looking to tap into India’s expanding FMCG market. Temasek…

IndusInd Bank Shares Rebound After Sharp 27% Crash: What Lies Ahead?

Manish Kumar

IndusInd Bank’s Steep Fall IndusInd Bank’s share price witnessed extreme volatility this week, with a sharp 27% crash on Tuesday followed by a partial recovery on Wednesday. The steep fall was triggered by the revelation of discrepancies in the bank’s forex derivatives portfolio, raising concerns over its financial health and transparency. This decline added to the ongoing woes of the stock, which has already plummeted more than 50% in the last six months. Despite the panic selling, the bank’s promoter, Ashok Hinduja, stepped in to reassure investors, stating that IndusInd…

India-Mauritius: PM Modi’s Visit Strengthens Ties and Development

Manish Kumar

 A Timeless Partnership India and Mauritius share a deep-rooted relationship built on historical, cultural, and economic ties. The connection dates back to the 19th century when Indian indentured laborers were brought to the island, laying the foundation of a shared heritage. Over the years, this relationship has strengthened through trade, infrastructure development, and people-to-people ties. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day State visit to Mauritius, the visit symbolizes India’s continued commitment to fostering a strong and strategic partnership with the island nation. PM Modi’s Arrival and Warm…

Ukraine and Russia Edge Toward Ceasefire as Trump Administration Steps In

Manish Kumar

The Russia-Ukraine War The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has devastated Ukraine and led to prolonged international tensions. Despite various diplomatic efforts, the conflict has continued with relentless battles, territorial losses, and economic instability. With Donald Trump taking office as the U.S. President earlier this year, the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly. His administration’s approach to the war has been marked by a combination of diplomatic maneuvering and temporary aid suspensions. Now, in a dramatic turn of events, Ukraine has expressed readiness for a 30-day…

Divya Dutta Reflects on Breaking Molds and Returning to Bandish Bandits

Manish Kumar

From her early days in the industry to becoming one of the most versatile and celebrated actors in Indian cinema, Divya Dutta has built a career on breaking stereotypes. Known for delivering nuanced performances across films and series, she was recently nominated at the Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Bandish Bandits S2. With the rise of streaming platforms, Dutta has embraced complex characters that go beyond traditional molds, a shift she considers transformative for actors, especially women. In a recent conversation, she reflected on…

Bridging the Digital Divide: Jio Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India

Manish Kumar

A Major Collaboration in Satellite Internet Reliance Jio has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s satellite-based internet services in India. This collaboration is set to revolutionize broadband connectivity, especially in rural and remote regions. As the world’s largest mobile operator by data traffic, Jio aims to leverage Starlink’s advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to enhance internet accessibility across the country. However, regulatory approvals remain a key hurdle before full-scale deployment. Jio’s Vision for Starlink in India Under this agreement, Jio Platforms Limited plans…

Baloch Militants Hijack Jaffar Express, kill 6 Soldiers, and Take Over 100 Hostages

Manish Kumar

A Shocking Act of Militancy In a dramatic escalation of insurgent violence, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train operated by Pakistan Railways, on Tuesday. The militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had taken over 100 passengers’ hostage and killed six Pakistani military personnel. The attack took place in Mashkaf, Dhadar, in the Bolan district of Balochistan as the train traveled from Quetta to Peshawar. The BLA, a separatist group seeking autonomy for Balochistan, warned that any military intervention could result…

Tulsi Gabbard to Visit India as Part of Indo-Pacific Tour Amid Strengthening US-India Ties

Manish Kumar

Strengthening Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard is set to visit India as part of a multi-nation Indo-Pacific tour. Gabbard, a former congresswoman and Army veteran, announced her travel plans on social media, highlighting stops in Japan, Thailand, and India, with a brief stop in France before returning to Washington, DC. Her visit holds strategic significance as the US and India continue to deepen their defense and intelligence collaboration. This marks the first high-level White House visit to India under President Trump’s second term,…